ST. LOUIS – Friday night was a star-studded reunion as former St. Louis Rams football player Isaac Bruce hosted his annual Isaac Bruce Foundation Gridiron Gala.
This year’s event was extra special, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ram’s Historic Super Bowl XXXIV title in 2000, following the 1999 NFL regular season.
“It started up in Malcomb, Illinois that summer and we created a bond,” said Isaac Bruce, St. Louis Rams’ 1999 Super Bowl Champion. “Going back and forth offensively, defensively, special team players. We all played a part in that championship. There wasn’t one guy who was on that 53-man roster that didn’t play a significant moment in that season. Just to have them all come back here and celebrate at the same time in which the city which we accomplished that feat. It’s special.”
More than 14 Super Bowl champions, including Lionel Barnes, Mike Jones, gathered to celebrate. Hosted by Fox 2’s own Sports Director Martin Kilcoyne, the gala brought back memories of the “Greatest Show On Turf”.
“Wonderful season. Wonderful time to be in Saint Louis and alive at that time” said Barnes.
That 1999 Rams team boasted a high-powered offense that averaged nearly 33 point per game, led by MVP Quarterback Kurt Warner and the unstoppable Marshall Faulk. The amazing season was capped off by a thrilling 23-16 Super Bowl victory over the Tennessee Titans-remembered for Mike Jones’ game-saving tackle at the 1-yard line.
“I’m glad we won the game. I mean it was a long game, tough game. You know it ended….I don’t think it could’ve ended any better than that” said Jones.
“It’s a signature play and he’ll go down in history for that for sure” said Barnes.
“I call Mike Jones’ tackle, the biggest tackle of my career” said Bruce.
The night consisted of a silent auction with sports memorabilia and celebrity autograph items, fellowship, brotherhood and community. The only St. Louis Rams Super Bowl Champion team will be honored at Saturday’s St. Louis Cardinals game.
“To have the Saint Louis Cardinals bring back the Saint Louis Rams and my Super Bowl champion teammates that means the world to me,” said Bruce.
